Getting a new pair of eyeglasses can be exciting, especially if the frames are in a style you love. However, if you experience any of the following 6 symptoms, you may have an incorrect lens prescription:
- Blurry Vision
- Headaches
- Eye Strain
- Dizziness
- Double Vision
- General Discomfort
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, bring your glasses back to your optometrist and let us take a look.
Our vision changes over time. Nearsightedness (myopia) may get worse, and everyone experiences age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) as they get older. You can keep track of your eye health with regular comprehensive eye exams.
Incorrect Prescription Glasses Symptoms
Uncomfortable symptoms like headaches and double vision may signal that your glasses prescription needs another look. Or, they may indicate another eye or health condition. Here’s what you need to know.
Blurry Vision
The purpose of eyeglasses is to help you see clearly, so if you experience blurry vision while wearing them, something is amiss. Trouble seeing things at a distance might indicate that you need a stronger nearsightedness prescription. Meanwhile, trouble seeing things up close may indicate farsightedness or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
Headaches
Experiencing headaches? This may be a sign that you have the wrong glasses prescription. Adjusting to a new pair of glasses can also cause muscle strain that leads to headaches, especially if you’re wearing glasses for the first time or have had a significant change in prescription power. If your headache doesn’t go away after a few days, consider booking a follow-up appointment.
Eye Strain
An incorrect prescription can cause your eyes to strain. This may be because your prescription power is too high or too low. It can also mean that the distance between your pupils was incorrectly measured.
Dizziness
Some people experience dizziness when they get a new prescription. Glasses with multiple lens powers, such as bifocals, trifocals, and progressives, may take longer to get used to and may cause symptoms like dizziness and nausea.
These symptoms can last a few days while your body learns to adjust. But if they don’t dissipate within a week, reach out to us and book a followup appointment.
Double Vision
Glasses and contact lenses that don’t fit properly may lead to double vision, also known as diplopia. But double vision has many potential causes, some more dangerous than others, so if you notice changes to your vision, contact your eye doctor right away.
Even if the cause isn’t serious, double vision can make tasks like driving or crossing the street dangerous, so it warrants prompt intervention.
General Discomfort
Your new glasses are supposed to help you see more clearly and comfortably, so if this isn’t happening, visit your optometrist. Your eyeglasses may need adjustment.
Some people experience pain and discomfort around their temples or the bridge of their nose. This may signal that your eyeglasses need fixing. Fortunately, we can usually adjust your frames for a better fit.
Adjusting to New Glasses
Wearing a new pair of glasses can feel strange at first. Adjustment takes time, but this shouldn’t be more than a few days. However, prism lenses may require a longer adjustment period.
Feel free to ask us what to expect when you get your new glasses prescription, especially if it’s your first time getting glasses, if you’ve had a significant change in prescription power, or if you’re using a different type of lens for the first time.
How Prescriptions Change Over Time
Remember: our eyes change as we age. This means prescription powers can change, too.
Many people (especially parents) will know that as children grow up, their nearsightedness (myopia) can get worse, leading to regular prescription updates. High myopia tends to stabilize between ages 20 and 30, but some adults experience myopia progression too.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) can also change over time. And almost everyone experiences presbyopia (also known as age-related farsightedness) as they get older. Presbyopia makes it more challenging to see things up close, which is why many older adults wear reading glasses for near work.
Stay On Top of Your Prescription with Regular Eye Exams
With our eyes constantly changing, how can we maintain clear and comfortable vision? One way is by regularly getting your eyes checked. We recommend adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should get their eyes checked every year. Some people may require more frequent exams depending on their medical history, current eye health, and prescriptions.
If you wear prescription eyewear, it’s a good idea to get eye exams regularly so you and your eye care team can stay on top of your prescription. Located in the San Clemente area? Book your next appointment with Total Vision Talega today.
